lights on refugium

[ugluk]

I just bought a HOB refugium and will be getting some Chaeto to put in it. How many hours do I need to run the lights to keep it growing? I have read that I should run a reverse lights with my tank but since I have FOWLR I dont really think I need to. Plus the light is so strong it illuminates the tank. Wouldnt it be better for my tank to be pitch black during the night so all the night critters can come out? Is Chaeto the best algae to put in my fuge? If not what is the best thing to get?

 

[BigAl2007]

I've ran mine BOTH ways. Right now I have it on a "Reverse from the display" but have also ran it on a 24/7 schedule. It's really up to you.

I also ran into that problem. I bought a HOB and the Fuge light totally illuminated my Display tank. I made a cardboard light block and slipped it down between the tank and Fuge. In my eyes the back of the fuge should be SOLID black for this reason.

Cheato is by FAR the best MAcro Algae to get. It's not the MOST efficient but you don't have to worry about it going asexual and spreading it's spores through out your tank. It's easily to control and a very good nutrient exporter.

 

[an411]

I ran both ways and now I run opposite my tank light cycle and it is still growing fine chaeto is the choice of macro algae for me

 

[killagoby]

Run the lights on an opposite schedule or 24/7. It will help your Ph stay stable at night.

 

[IceWish]

i use the reverse schedule lighting since it helps with the PH and it also puts less of a strain on my chiller during the day.Chaeto is great , and seems to be the best overall chioce for the refugium

 

[ugluk]

but how many hours a day for Chaeto? If I run my lights for 12 hours would I do the same in the fuge? What if I run my lights for 16, would I run the ones in the fuge for 8?